Pharmacy faces funding battle
Pharmacists were warned this week that they would face a battle with GPs to access money for services classified as enhanced under the new community pharmacy contract.
The warning came from David Jenner, the NHS Alliance’s lead for
the new general medical services contract, who was speaking at this year’s
BPC.
Both the new GP and community pharmacy contracts have similar constructions,
with three tiers of essential, advanced and enhanced services. Enhanced
services are funded by primary care trusts.
“Pharmacists will be fishing in the same pond as GPs for money
for enhanced services,” said Dr Jenner. “So watch out! GPs
are there a year ahead so will get the first bite.”
On a more positive note, Dr Jenner said that the new contracts presented
many opportunities for GPs and community pharmacists to collaborate,
particularly over medicines management and long-term conditions.
Turning to the new pharmacy contract, Dr Jenner advised pharmacists to
check the fine detail of the proposals on funding, once they are published. “And
check how much money has been ring-fenced for pharmacy,” he suggested.
A full report of this session, which examined the new pharmacy and GP
contracts, will be published in The Journal shortly.
Pharmacy contract Provisional dates for the roadshows about the
new pharmacy contract have been announced this week by the Pharmaceutical
Services Negotiating Committee. They are 31 October, 7 November and
14 November. Details of venues will be confirmed in the next few
weeks but it is expected that a number of roadshows in different
locations will be held on each date. The roadshows will be for contractors
only.
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